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Mouth-breather Question

In sitting zazen today I had trouble breathing through my nose. I have had sinus problems as far as I can remember which can make nose breathing challenging at times. It is acceptable to breathe through the mouth while sitting? I am wondering if anybody here in the Sangha has this same kind of problem and if they may have found a solution or two has helped.

I am also curious if just by gaining more experience on the cushion will my body begin to naturally relax and make my breathing less labor intensive.

Don't sweat the technicalities. of course it is perfectly fine to breathe through your mouth whilst sitting. There is of course a reason for all of our traditions in sitting but the most important thing is sitting, no matter how you have to do it. Good luck.

Gassho, Jeffrey

"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived."
Henry David Thoreau, Walden

I've had sinus/allergy/postnasal drip problems in the past. Visiting a specialist and getting the right medication really, really improved my life, on and off the cushion. So if you can do so, that's what I'd recommend.

Thank you Jen for your advise and encouragement. I am definitely overdue for a doctor's visit so I will have to make that happen. OTC allergy pills usually work pretty well for me, when I remember to take them .

And my sincerest thanks for everybody's kind words and advise. I am lucky to be around such a warm and inviting community.

Gassho,

Josh

I'm finding the community to be very warm and supporting as well. Feeling very fortunate that we live in a time where we are able to be so connected to our "all over the world" sangha. I'm also finding that everyone is feeling less and less far away the longer I'm here.

I too struggle with this, as I have a deviated septom, allergies, and am just about always at least somewhat congested. I think part of the problem too is that because I'm so used to breathing mainly through my mouth, that when I try to just breathe through my nose it gives me anxiety because I don't feel like I'm getting as much air as I'm used to. I can last a few minutes with just nose-breathing but usually I instinctually take a deep breath from my mouth because I feel I need it. The problem I find though is that when I sit zazen and just breathe through my mouth, I find my mouth and tongue constantly active. For instance my lips will get dry so I'll lick them, my tongue will move around, I'll slightly open and close my mouth, etc. It's hard to remain physically still. Maybe I'm focusing on it too much? I've been trying different things, like putting my tongue against my bottom teeth and trying to maintain my mouth slightly open. It's tough though. I'm still very new though so I assume this will work itself out.

I too struggle with this, as I have a deviated septom, allergies, and am just about always at least somewhat congested. I think part of the problem too is that because I'm so used to breathing mainly through my mouth, that when I try to just breathe through my nose it gives me anxiety because I don't feel like I'm getting as much air as I'm used to. I can last a few minutes with just nose-breathing but usually I instinctually take a deep breath from my mouth because I feel I need it. The problem I find though is that when I sit zazen and just breathe through my mouth, I find my mouth and tongue constantly active. For instance my lips will get dry so I'll lick them, my tongue will move around, I'll slightly open and close my mouth, etc. It's hard to remain physically still. Maybe I'm focusing on it too much? I've been trying different things, like putting my tongue against my bottom teeth and trying to maintain my mouth slightly open. It's tough though. I'm still very new though so I assume this will work itself out.

HI Sean,

I believe you are being bothered mostly because your mind is telling you "I am being bothered". You are focusing on this as if something is wrong and ... as a result ... feel that something is wrong. Pay the situation "no nevermind" ... don't obsess about it ...don't focus on your mouth ... and it will be no bother.

As I said, some of us with allergies and such need to breathe out of the mouth sometimes. We may have to swallow more and such. So what? Swallow, lick your lips. Keep sitting. We sit as what is, without aversion.

If you make a problem, there is a problem. If you drop the problem ... No Problem!